Three Men and a Lady

Yellow and black obssesion.

2010-01-07T05:25:00.000-08:00

Yellow is one color I would have never dreamed of ever decorating with. Conjures up memories of my dad's 70's style kitchen with gold/yellow formica countertops. In fact, I'm not quite that fond of the color by itself. Pair it with some black or gray and now it's all over my house.

(Via Desire to Inspire)

(Via Door Sixteen)

Promise found this cabinet at Savers for $80.00! I'm loving her addition of the gray stripes and spray painted pink horse !

Promise Tangeman (Via Simply Grove).

I'm desperately looking for the fabric used on the window shade. Gold star for the person who comes up with the source?
(Featured in British Home and Gardens Via Desire to Inspire March '07)

(Pixelimpress)

(Room Service via Little Green Notebook)

Thrift store lamps.

2010-01-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

For the past two months I've been eyeing these lamps at my favorite thrift store. They were priced at $50.00 for the pair which was an okay price but still kind of pricey for a thrift store.

Then I saw the same exact lamp featured on Decorno (work of Angie Hranowsky) and I knew I had to go back and snatch them up (if they were still there). To my suprise it was "Half Priced Monday" on all lamps and picutres. So I got them for $12.50 each! SA-WEET!

(Via Decorno).

Also, thanks to Suertica for spotting these nifties at Decorpad.

(Via Decorpad).

Sucked in.

2010-01-01T09:40:00.000-08:00

3 guesses as to what the holidays have consisted of.

1. "Just one more chapter."

2. "Is it already 3:00am?"

3. "Edward"...swoon!

After I turned down three invitations to go see New Moon a friend finally loaned me the Twighlight book and told I HAD to read it. So that I did. In two days. Then straight to Blockbuster to rent the movie. And then the next book. In two more days. Then I went and saw the movie BY MYSELF.

So much for my elaborate plans to do all kinds of home projects. I may be m.i.a. for the next couple of weeks while I stay up all night devouring the next two books.

P.S. Happy New Year!

me, myself and I.

2009-12-26T06:57:00.000-08:00

I've heard models remark that modeling is a tough job.

Standing in front of a camera all day...tough?

I get it now.

My very talented friend is one amazing photographer. She was very patient with me as I tried to pull off "cool" without it looking forced, "calm" without feeling terribly self-concious, "collected" without looking nervous.

(Images courtesy of Wondertime Photo).

Holiday Christmas Card.

2009-12-22T05:04:00.000-08:00

(Images courtesy of Wondertime Photo).

December events.

2009-12-19T16:53:00.000-08:00

Preschool Christmas party:

Does the idea of a gospel preaching frog seem weird to you? These two boys thought so too.

He is now an official Camo Belt.

1st time mowing the lawn himself.

After one long year, these yummies finally ripened.

My hands itched for an hour after I peeled one.

Is that normal?

These two discovered how cool dry ice can be.

I've been busy working on my 4:20 and other projects.

My DIY/Home Projects

2007-09-04T19:50:00.000-07:00

Pedestal Plates.

Jewelry Board.

Monitor shelf, painted dish.

Tree Stump End Table.

Thrift store Bookends.

Antique Breakfast Table.

Dresser.

Bedside Tables.

Sunburst Mirror.

Custom Art Made From Wood Floor Boards.

Den Bookcase.

Den Bookcase 2.

Den Picture Wall.

Slipcovered Office Chairs.

Step Stool Makover.

Mirror / Bulletin Board Transformation.

DIY Upholstered Headboards.

Gold Lamp Makeover.

Canvas Art Wall.

Boys' Room Painted Wall.

Ottoman 1.

Ottoman 2.

Pipe Cleaner Ornaments.

Linen Napkin Pillows.

Coat Hook Redo.

Bench Makeover.

Computer Printer Cover.

Den Painted Wall 1.

Den Painted Wall 2.

Den Painted Wall 3.

Den Wallpapered Wall.

Painted Entryway.

Walmart Table Makeover.

estate sale stalking.

2009-12-18T09:59:00.000-08:00

My favorite Thursday morning ritual of checking out the new postings for the weekend estate sales left me brimming with envy. Sadly, with my garage is stuffed with four chairs, a dresser and a coffee table so I've banned myself from taking in anymore furniture (rather my husband has put the nix on anymore furniture until he can bring his car back in the garage). I can still stalk and dream.

Just love this frame. So many possibilities...spray the frame, take out the picture, make a chalk or jewelry board. It is even lovely enough to leave it as is - now that's a new concept.

The lines on the sofa are gorgeous. Usually old furniture screams "RE-UPHOLSTER ME!" but this baby is actually quite lovely as is.

I first passed up this table but I keep coming back to it. Equestrian is all the rage these days. I think it would look dynamite in a super sophisticated space. It would be that one eclectic piece that just makes the space great because it's unpredictable.
Love these dining chairs! Paint and re-upholster please.

How about that sideboard hiding in the back? Great, right?!

Oh, that French chair in the corner! I've been wanting to get my hands on one of these for a while. I'm also really drawn to the gold ottoman.

Check out sale details here.

Someone is going to make some fabulous scores this weekend. Wish it were me!

paperclip chandeliers.

2009-12-14T10:42:00.000-08:00

I'm always on the lookout for cool DIY projects and I've found one that tops em all. Check out these chandeliers. They're made of paperclips...PAPERCLIPS! Who woulda thunk it? Penelope Bridge of ReDesign Technologies Environmental Art and Design - THAT'S WHO! She sells them in her Etsy Store and describes her style as urban rustic. If you're really ambitious you can even purchase the instructions to make one yourself. However, she warns, "not a project for the impatient." I'm seriously tempted to attempt one.

Go here for a chance to win one her amazing pieces (along with many other items by other talented Etsy shop owners).

Christmas gifts.

2009-12-09T12:13:00.000-08:00

I grew up in a cult-de-sac where every family was like the Cleavers. Neighbors planted flowers in the summer, hung Christmas lights in the winter, borrowed a cup of sugar when it was needed, etc. There was a long standing tradition that neighborly gifts were given during the holidays without fail. Things such as fine bottles of honey, freshly baked cookies, homemade truffles were a sampling of expected gifts.

It was always cute to see my single dad try and come up with something "lovely" to give the neighbors each Christmas. My favorite year was when he and I walked a box of Carmel Corn (from the mall) to each family. It was "yum" mixed with a bit of bachelor. Great memories.

Each year I've tried hard to keep up the tradition of neighborly gift giving, however, I can hardly say they've all been lovely.

Here's my plan this year:

Plate found at thrift stores + ...

Candlestick holders found at thrift stores + ...

Epoxy =

Merry Christmas neighbor...sorry for running over your trash can the other day.

all I want for Christmas is...

2009-12-04T22:15:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, I'm enamored with the idea that good design doesn't have to cost a fortune. I just love when second-hand furniture and clever people come together to produce magic.

I spied these chairs on Craigslist for $25.00 each. It took all my strength not to pick up the phone and buy them from the seller on the spot. Some new cushions and they'd be dynamite. Reminded me a lot of Joi's chairs from Nuestra Vida Dulce.

Speaking of Joi, have you seen her blog? This girl speaks my language.
Check out her living room.

She has serious vision when it comes to the potential of furniture. A lot of her furniture picks are pieces my grandma may have had in her living room.

Before.

After.

This ain't yo gramma's living room!

How about those ceiling medallions?...Genius.

Coffee table...$20.00 yard sale find.

Trellis pillows...sheets from Homegoods.

End table...$20.00 Craigslist makeover.

Her kitchen before.

After:

My favorite of all is a feature she does called, "What's Good in Your Hood?" She picks a reader's city and scours Craigslist for the best scores. She is to Craiglist what Eddie Ross is to flea markets.

today was a good day.

2009-12-01T18:28:00.000-08:00

My sweet brother and sister in-law welcomed baby Oakland in to the world today.

This was an especially triumphant occasion for them because a little over a year ago they lost their first baby. Two days before baby Mac was due, Cali went in for a routine check-up and doctors were unable to find Baby Mac's heartbeat. You can see his story here.

Congratulations Josh and Cali. We can't wait to meet Oakland!

my kind of Christmas lights...

2009-12-01T05:49:00.000-08:00

...on the right, that is.

Gobble, gobble.

2009-11-26T14:49:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving was a holiday of every plan falling through you can imagine.

Plan #1 of going to San Diego was canceled when all three of my men shared the same sinus infection.

Plan #2: Cook turkey at home. Plan failed when I sliced half my thumb pad off on this weapon of a kitchen tool. Sounds minor, right? Suck it up and slap on a bandaid! Literally, there's no more thumb print...completely gone. (Hope my paroll officer doesn't need my prints anytime soon).

Plan #3: Crash sister-in-law's, sister-in-law's Thanksgiving invitation an hour before dinner. Tacky. Couldn't do it. Plus, bloody thumb, not so appetizing.

Plan #4: Thanksgiving at the J.W. Marriot. Saa-weeet! I'm wondering if my boys even tasted the meal with their poor congested noses. As you can see it didn't stop 'em.

Despite the chaos I am so very thankful for these wonderful men.

Watching the hawks soar was a perfect end to a slightly imperfect day.

We out!

DIY time.

2009-11-23T11:57:00.000-08:00

Estate sale frame:

Peg board from hardware store cut to size:

Can you guess where this is going yet?

Coat of white spray paint on frame:

Assortment of peg board hooks.

I didn't like the chrome finish on these hooks and wanted to spray paint them a metallic bronze. I poked them in to the top of a shoe box lid for easy access when spraying.

Ta-da!

I attached the peg board to the back of my frame then sprayed everything white.

Next, the hooks were inserted.

A new home for my jewelry.

Found these aged, antique looking hooks at Urban Outfitters.

Organized.

2009-11-18T08:54:00.000-08:00

This is what my desk looked like last night:

Enough was enough.

My beau made this simple monitor riser from a piece of plywood out of the disgard pile at Home Depot.

$0.50 thrift store dish...

A coat of turquoise spray paint...perfect.

I found this cute little fish at Target on clearance for $0.97!

Makes a great little paper weight just in case a tornado where ever to come through my office.

(Shhh...It's actually a salt shaker).

I swear my happiness level is in large part related to how organized my junk is.

bah humbug.

2009-11-17T10:03:00.000-08:00

I'm not in to holiday decorating. When you're on a tight decorating budget I don't see the point in spending money on decor that only gets displayed for 30 days or less. It just feels like a total gyp.

I came accross this awesome diy project and tutorial at Viva Full House. It's made of sheet music / book pages and an automotive convex mirror. You know I'm a sucker for sunburst mirrors. Even this Scrooge could do this holiday project.

"my turn."

2009-11-16T05:49:00.000-08:00

"Awwww waaaaa waaaa waaaaa waaaaa waaaaaa goo day. Awwww waaaaa waaaaa waaaa waaaa ble-food. Awwww waaaa waaaa waaaa waaaa, AMEN!"

This little man's version of dinner time prayers.

And it melts my heart everytime.

(Yes, I burned the pizza).

walk down memory lane.

2009-11-11T12:24:00.000-08:00

I'm about 4 years behind in my scrapbooking. I'm not sure if I should go back to where I left off or just start from this point on. Does it really matter? I just piddle around with the pictures when I attempt to scrapbook and then get nothing done anyway.

I came accross an old home flyer from our very first house. We painted every wall, put in new flooring throughout, meticulously cared for our backyard...those were the days.

planet of the apes.

2009-11-08T19:33:00.000-08:00

100% undivided attention.

Complete stillness and intrigue.

What are they watching?

This.

Really? Who watches this stuff?

I don't get it.

Must be a guy thing.

knockoff throw.

2009-11-06T06:20:00.000-08:00

Oh Homegoods, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

Homegoods throw: $19.00
(Pillow from Nena Von ...thanks Tami!)

Jonathan Adler Richard Nixon throw: $295.00

my heels.

2009-10-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

Have you ever read Tamstyles blog? She just had a giveaway and I won a pillow of my choice from Nena Von's Etsy shop. Thanks Tam and Nena, I can't wait! Anyway, Tami is always blogging about her fab shoe collection. In honor of her, I'm blogging about my swanky red heels. I'm not so much a shoe gal but you want to talk purses and handbags and you've got my undivided attention.

I've had these swanky heels for a few months. As much as I dream about these babies and me being good friends we just don't get along. I really want to thank the "genius" who invented a shoe where a woman is supposed to look gracious while walking around on two 4-inch pegs, toes smashed together. Brilliant idea. Foot doctors, worldwide, love it when woman walk around in these things.

This is how I look when I put on my lovely red heels:
(click on play)

I'm almost positive that heels may have been invented by a man who wanted to get back at his wife for burning his dinner.?

FAQ Answered Here

2007-09-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

What color is your living room paint?

It is actually a Glidden paint chip that I had color matched to Behr. Below is a picture of the formula.

What colors did you use in your master bedroom?
See here.

Where did you get your dining room chandelier?

Z Gallerie.

Where are your canvas pictures in your living room from?

They are custom pieces from photographer, Michelle Rasmussen. Check her out here.

What do you use to spray your furniture?

When I'm doing a small job I opt for spray paint in a can. When I'm doing a big job I use a spray gun that attaches to my air compressor. Initially I bought a Wagner all in one deal that was under $100.00. It splattered paint everywhere and almost ruined my furniture. I returned it and bought and don't recommend it.

My spray gun is a Husky, gravity fed gun from Home Depot. I've been very pleased with the results.

Here is my Porter and Cable air compressor.

I bought both from Home Depot. Ask a sales associate when shopping, they are very helpful. I'm often asked for tips on getting a good spray. My best advice is read the owner's manual and follow the directions. I tend to never read the directions and then pay for it later. YES, you do have to strain the paint with cheesecloth first. YES, do dilute your paint with water as per directions. YES, plan to play and practice for a good 10 minutes before starting a project. Once you get the feel of using your sprayer, it's easy!

Do you sand before painting?

To be honest, 99% of the projects I've done I haven't sanded. I've just primed and painted. Not because I didn't think it needed it but mostly because I get too excited and want to get on with the painting. I think sanding it always a good idea and advocate it as a better surface for your paint to adhere to. In reality, none of my pieces have suffered as a result of me not doing it. But, I'm going to start sanding. Next time.

my pride and joy.

2009-11-04T08:44:00.000-08:00

Somebody, stop me!

2009-11-02T07:01:00.000-08:00

Acquiring furniture that I have no place for is becoming an obsession. Some people take in stray animals, me...stray furniture. Is there such thing as Furniture-Aholics Meetings? Either that or I need to enroll in re-upholstery classes.

I about fell over when I found the same exact wingback as the white one in my bedroom. Price: $15.00.

Then I found this one. I couldn't pass it up either.

Reminded me of this beauty featured on the Ethan Allen catalogue.

Mirror: $5.00. I feel a spray paint project coming on.

Bookends: $3.00.

I'm not sure what this is for but my mail seems to like sitting in it.

Real silver: $1.50.